Wei Qiang Lin, a Chinese national residing in Brooklyn, has pleaded guilty to smuggling approximately 850 protected turtles and other animals worth $1.4 million from the United States to Hong Kong. According to the Department of Justice, Lin attempted to disguise the shipments as "plastic animal toys."
The smuggling operation, which lasted over a year until November 2024, involved 222 packages of turtles, including eastern box turtles and three-toed turtles. These species are protected by international trade rules due to their colorful markings, which make them desirable in pet markets.
Law enforcement officials intercepted the turtles during border inspections at JFK Airport in Queens. They found 106 turtles bound and taped inside knotted socks and some even wrapped in diapers. Over the course of the operation, authorities also seized seven venomous snakes and 28 lizards.
Only a few of Lin's packages successfully reached Hong Kong before authorities shut down the operation. Lin's scheme ended after undercover sales led to his arrest. He is scheduled for sentencing on December 23 and faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.